Cornered Again is just right of the rarely climbed 5.12d and two lines right of Skipping Stones, and the fifth route counting left to right. (NB: A much harder line was established on the right and about the same time as CA and it ascends through a parallel crack system at 20 feet.) CA climbs a flake and corner system to a small roof and slab just below the anchor. Strenuous climbing in the entry moves gives way to more relaxed climbing above. CA is well protected and offers several good rests between cruxes. The route crux arose in the first four clips.
Protection
Bring a dozen draws and something for the double bolt anchor.
I found the moves past the 1st bolt to be pretty strenuous, made more so by the dirt and scale on much of the rock. Seemed hard for 11a, but then I backed off after the second bolt...maybe it ends up climbing better past that.
I didn't like this route. I kept finding myself trying to take the more direct line in two distinct spots; once left on the sidepull/undercling, quartz formation and then again directly above that. Bail route for 11a. Route doesn't flow well.
The beginning of this route is hard which is almost unfortunate since the rest of this route (everything after the third bolt) is moderate and very enjoyable. Someone told me before I set off that it was chossy and had a lot of loose rock on it. At the top of the pillar you eventually stand upon, there are some chockstones and small pieces of loose rock however it is very obvious what and what not to pull on. Other than that, this route is bullet and if you can pull off an awkward 5.11 sequence to get started, easier and much more enjoyable climbing awaits.
The Crystal Tower
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